Statement on Gus Kenworthy’s Rescued Dogs Arriving from Sochi, Russia

Humane Society International

Arrival at JFK airport in New York. Christopher Lane/AP Images for HSI

The following is a statement from Kitty Block, vice president of Humane Society International, the global affiliate of The Humane Society of the United States, on the successful transport of four dogs rescued from the streets of Sochi, Russia by Winter Olympian Gus Kenworthy.

“We are excited to bring Jake, Mom, Stryder and Mishka safely to the United States, thanks to the efforts of Winter Olympic silver medalist Gus Kenworthy.The dogs were saved from almost certain doom during the city’s campaign to rid itself of street dogs ahead of the Olympic Games. We know the dogs are now in the safe, loving hands of Gus and wish them a lifetime of happiness in their new home.

“We also know so many more dogs remain in Sochi and throughout Russia who are in need of humane care. One year ago, Humane Society International urged the International Olympic Committee and the Russian government to work with us to humanely address street dog populations in Sochi. We received no response but the offer stood then as it does now. We urge the IOC to consider humane values in the future when selecting host cities and countries.

“We remain committed to helping more Sochi dogs find loving homes in the U.S. But to help these dogs in any meaningful way, Russia needs to establish spay/neuter and vaccination programs. HSI works around the globe to better the lives of street dogs. To learn more, visit hsi.org/sochidogs.”